Dhenkanal: At least 19 persons sustained critical injuries due to explosion in steam pipe at Tata Steel's Meramandali plant in Dhenkanal district, today.

The workers of the steel plant were rescued and rushed to a private hospital in Cuttack for treatment.

Condition of one of them was stated to be critical at the healthcare facility, sources said.

Tata Steel in a statement said the accident occurred due to escape of steam.

"The accident occurred at 1:00 pm today during the course of the inspection work and has affected few people working at the site, who were immediately shifted to the Occupational Health Centre inside the plant premises and then to Cuttack for further treatment, as a precautionary measure, in the Company's ambulance, accompanied by doctor and paramedics," the company said in the statement.

"Immediately post the accident, all the emergency protocol services were activated and the area has been cordoned off. The company is ensuring all necessary information and support to the families of the affected personnel," the statement added.